Head-to-head · 2026
Dakota College at Bottineau vs Valley City State University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Dakota College at Bottineau, 3 for Valley City State University — Valley City State University has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Dakota College at Bottineau | Valley City State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.10 | 11.09 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $10,039 ✓ | $11,890 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,576 | $52,725 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 99.1% |
| Graduation rate | 48% | 53.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,507 ✓ | $20,369 |
| Enrollment | 399 | 958 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1041 |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Valley City State University costs $1,851 more per year than Dakota College at Bottineau ($11,890 vs $10,039). Valley City State University graduates report $12,149 higher median earnings after ten years ($52,725 vs $40,576). On EduGradify's model that puts Valley City State University ahead on projected ROI (11.09 vs 10.10, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Valley City State University) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Valley City State University reports 99.1% acceptance; Dakota College at Bottineau does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Dakota College at Bottineau vs Valley City State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Dakota College at Bottineau or Valley City State University the better value?
Valley City State University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.09 vs 10.10), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Dakota College at Bottineau is cheaper — average net price $10,039 per year vs $11,890 at Valley City State University. The annual difference of $1,851 adds up to about $7,404 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Valley City State University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $52,725 vs $40,576 at Dakota College at Bottineau. The annual gap in the federal data is $12,149.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Dakota College at Bottineau reports a B value grade; Valley City State University reports A.